Where do you go when your world is falling apart? When you need a “safe place” to have time to re-group? Where can YOU find a place that is truly SAFE?
Before we jump into that topic this morning, let me say welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert,” a truly safe place where you’ll always find someone who’ll share the truth in love. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If you need a safe place that will calm your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Did you know there’s apparently a big difference between the terms “safe PLACE” and “safe SPACE?”
We hear a lot about “safe spaces” today, especially on college campuses. The Oxford Dictionary says the term “safe space” generally refers to a place where a marginalized group can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm. Discrimination and harassment are wrong, but mere discussion and challenge of a position does not constitute either of those. People ought to be able to discuss different choices with civility, and challenge the foundations of those choices in a way that is “safe” for all concerned.
On the other side of the coin, a “safe place” is a place of refuge and protection for people in actual danger. In the US, it’s not unusual to see bright yellow “safe place” signs outside of libraries, various businesses, fire stations and other facilities. These are all part of the National Safe Place Network, an outreach program for youth in need of immediate help. Whether fleeing from domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or any other risk to their safety, youth have a Safe Place to wait until help arrives.
But where can you go when you need help and there’s no “safe place” in sight?
Today’s verse says YOU ARE MY DEFENDER, MY PLACE OF SAFETY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.
God offers much more than a mere physical “safe place” – His offer includes inner peace, emotional well-being, grace and forgiveness for all our deliberate sins and failures.
You know why I love the Lord? He is my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. He’s my God, my rock in whom I take refuge. My shield, and my stronghold. When I call upon the LORD, and I am saved from my enemies.
I’ve called upon Him when I had cancer and the cords of death encompassed me – and He saved me. I’ve called upon Him when our family had no food – and He provided for us. I’ve called upon Him when we had no money to pay our bills – and He proved Himself faithful.
God is our refuge and strength, He is a “safe place” that will always be within reach. And He’s never far away, He’s a very present help in trouble. Even though you and I may be right in the middle of trouble, He preserves our life, stretches out His hand against our enemies and delivers us. We can look for Him, and watch Him defend and protect us.
The bible tells us that He is a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and even a shade from the heat. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and find a “safe place.”
YOU ARE MY DEFENDER, MY PLACE OF SAFETY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
But here’s the rub – we prefer to rely upon ourselves, our resources and our wisdom. We think we’ll be better off. Relying on God seems too abstract; He seems too distant.
Relying upon God takes faith. And He’s willing to build up your faith and give you His strength; but you need to make the decision to trust Him. As you do, you’ll find that you can trust in Him at all times, in every situation. You can pour out your heart before Him; giving Him every care and concern. God IS a refuge for us; He is a “safe place.”
As you learn to trust Him and say, “YOU ARE MY DEFENDER, MY PLACE OF SAFETY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE” you’ll find that every word of God proves true.
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. A place of safety in times of trouble.
